BOSSES at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, have awarded their advertising, media buying and design account to a Medway company.

Zest, based in Lordswood, Chatham, won the account after a three-way pitch. The account was formerly handled by Interfocus.

Leeds Castle changed its logo last year and Victoria Wallace, the chief executive, says the hiring of Zest does not herald a major re-branding exercise.

"It’s not a great signal that Leeds Castle is doing something different," she said.

Zest will handle the tourist attraction’s leaflets, posters, advertising and other creative work."

Leeds Castle’s marketing manager Amanda Lumley said: "In the pitch, Zest’s creative was strong and very functional, and everyone on our team felt that they could build good working relationships with Zest."

Zest managing director Terry Hewett said it was a fantastic win.

"The Leeds Castle account is very prestigious, and we’re looking forward to ensuring that more and more people get to experience that for themselves."

Zest ST is an integrated communications agency, working on international, national and regional campaigns.

Current annual billings are around £10 million.

The castle’s public relations work will continue to be handled by Maidstone-based agency Edwards Harvey.

Meanwhile, Mrs Wallace said visitor numbers were holding up well. "We had a very good half term," she said.

A number of new events were planned this year, including jousting in June.